First time visiting Bali? Here’s a handy neighborhood guide and recommended hotels to help you determine where to stay in Bali., whether you’re looking for nightlife, relaxation, romance or luxury

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Where to Stay in Bali

The magical island of Bali has something for everyone. This small island in Indonesia draws the bulk of the country’s tourism and for good reason. With sandy white beaches, waves begging to be surfed and warm Balinese culture, it’s no wonder that visitors all over the world flock to Bali again and again.

Before I visited Bali, I remember being overwhelmed by the different neighborhoods and sheer number of hotels, so I wanted to put together a comprehensive guide to the best places to stay in Bali. The island offers everything from luxury 5 star hotels to simplistic, minimalist yoga retreats so I’ve organized this accommodation guide by neighborhood and interest type and also listed some of my favorite Bali hotels for you to check out.

First time visiting Bali? Here’s a Overview of Bali’s Neighborhoods

Bali has many different ‘neighborhoods’, each with their own unique features. Here’s a quick overview of the main areas to help you figure out where you want to stay when visiting Bali:

South Bali | This is the most developed section and touristy area and home to Kuta, Canggu, Denpasar, Jimbaran Bay, Legian, Nusa Dua, Sanur, Seminyak and Tanah Lot. Chances are, if you’re a first timer visiting Bali you’ll want to stay here to be close to the action.

Central Bali | This is the cultural hinterland and quite mountainous. It’s known for gorgeous rice terraces, Balinese art and a great place for cultural souvenirs & shopping. Most visitors will visit here on a day trip or stay at one of the many yoga retreats in Ubud.

West Bali | This area is relatively unexplored and home to West Bali National Park. Other popular places to explore include Negara, Gilimanuk, Medewi Beach, and Pemuteran

North Bali | This was once the old capital city and today visitors to Bali come here for its volcanic, black sand beaches. Stay at Lovina and Singaraja.

East Bali | This part of Bali is home to the active volcano Batur and Mount Agung.

Nusa Lembongan, Nusa PenidaandNusa Ceningan

Finally, there’s a trio of islands southest of Bali(Nusa means ‘island’ in Bahasa Indonesia). These are incredibly gorgeous places and growing in popularity for nature lovers but they are not yet developed for tourist infrastructure and there’s few, if any, hotels or accommodation options. Visit for a day trip or diving excursion by catching the ferry from Sanur.

With villas made of thatched roofs and local timber and a resort layout in accordance with ancient village design guidelines, Maya Ubud represents an architectural and cultural marvel among modern resorts.

When your two options are beachfront all-suite accommodations along the Nusa Dua Bay or secluded villas with private pools, private gardens, and butler service, your two options beat all other two options.

Where to Stay in Jimbaran Bay

When your loved one asks why Jimbaran Bay and you explain it’s most famous for luxurious and romantic beachside dinners, you have accomplished the Indonesian vacation planning equivalent of the mic drop.

Recommended Jimbaran Bay Accommodation

When private pool villas are the second coolest thing about a resort, you know you’re in the right place. The AYANA Resort & Spa Bali is home to Rock Bar Bali, one of the world’s most famous bars featuring everyday normalcies such as 18 semi-private villas overlooking the Indian Ocean and a DJ booth literally carved into the cliff.

The Four Seasons Resort Bali understood that the five-minute walk from its villas’ private plunge pools to the white sand Indian Ocean beaches could be emotionally and physically taxing. Luckily for you, they designed the resort so that this walk passes through Balinese flower beds and ancient temples. Crisis averted.

Where to Stay in Uluwatu

Uluwatu is known as the indisputable surfing capital of Bali. Conveniently, it’s also known as a premier destination for upscale resorts. Surfing and upscale resorts – many are fans of both, almost all are fans of one, and the rest are people who like to vacation in Boca Raton.

Recommended Uluwatu Accommodation

When a high Italian fashion brand ventures into the luxuriant world of Bali hospitality, the commonplace choice of suites or the nicer villas is considered lowbrow. The Bulgari Resort Bali starts at villas and prefers to offer mansions as its premium product. Enough said.

Where to Stay in Kuta and Legian

Much like Nusa Dua is known for its exceptional resorts and beaches, Kuta is known for its exceptional nightlife and backpacker culture. If you go to bed early and/or wear a satchel, this may not be place the for you.

Recommended Kuta and Legian Accommodation

Being the first Asian Hard Rock Hotel is righteous enough. Throw in a location at the center of Bali’s entertainment and nightlife district, and the Hard Rock should appear on every Kuta hotel shortlist.

Where to Stay in Canggu

Canggu is very much the Goldilocks of Balinese neighborhoods. Its surf, beaches, and natural surroundings are all considered above-average if not most well-known. However, Canggu is relatively inaccessible, creating a quaint seclusion responsible for Canggu’s reputation as the up-and-coming Bali neighborhood.

Bali has a modern, large international airport called Ngurah Rai International Airport. It’s also called Denpasar and the airport code is DPS

Be prepared for a massive traffic jam arriving and departing to the airport. Actually be prepared for traffic throughout all of Bali – it’s a good idea to rent a scooter motorbike!

Leaving any airport in Indonesia, you’ll be quickly greeted by crowds of vocal drivers wanting your business. DPS is no different Taxi fares are fixed based on your destination.

To avoid haggling, arrange with your hotel for an airport transfer.

Visiting Indonesia – Travel Checklist

Flights // From New York City, there are no direct flights to Indonesia but you can grab reasonably priced flights if you book early. Check often for routes and fares here. I’ve transferred in Doha and China and prefer prefer Doha’s modern airport via Qatar Airways.

If flying to Jakarta, fares will be slightly cheaper and from Indonesia’s capital you can explore Bandung, Yogyakarta and Sumatra on short domestic flights. If your focus is Bali, note that flights from the USA will be slightly more expensive and typically will involve a 2nd stopover in Jakarta anyway.

Hotels // I highly recommend ‘hotel hopping’ Bali – the island is quite large and different neighborhoods have their own characteristics. You can rent a motorized scooter to get around or book a tour to handle transportation if you’re not comfortable. Taxis and Ubers will work in some areas, but prepare to be stuck in gridlock traffic. AirBnBs are a great way to stay in luxurious Balinese resorts for discounted rates – especially if traveling with a group. Bali is also a fantastic place to splurge on a luxury resort – the options are endless, the views are unbeatable and the food is divine. We loved both Alila Villas Uluwatu and the Sofitel Nusa Dua.

Packing // Bring light fabrics and traditional summer wear for Bali along with mosquito spray. If you intend to visit Indonesia’s other cities and famous temples, bring modest clothing. Indonesia is the world’s largest Muslim country and can view short shorts and mini skirts as impolite. You can read my complete Bali packing list here.

Insurance // Lastly, be sure to visit Indonesia with travel insurance. Whether you get injured and need to be hospitalized, or your phone gets stolen, or an injury forces you to cancel all or part of your vacation, travel insurance will help when you need it most. I ended up getting seriously ill and visiting the hospital while in Solo, Indonesia and being taken care of was a lifesaver. I use and recommend Allianz travel insurance.